“Josiah must be on the war-path,” chuckled Mr. Armitage. “He’s out holding up automobilists so as to fill the coffers of the local ’Squire and his own pockets.”
Dan was obliged to shut off power and brake hard. The heavy car barely stopped in season.
“Surrender!” yelled the voice of Mr. Somes. He bore the lantern in one hand, and a revolver of the largest size in the other, and he waved both of these indiscriminately.
“What’s the matter with you?” demanded Mr. Briggs, wrathfully.
The constable evidently did not recognize the gentleman. He continued to paw the air and make threatening gestures with his weapon, as he shouted:
“Hold up your hands! Pile out of that car! I swear I got ye now, ye robbers, you! Move lively!”
“Say! who do you think you are speaking to?” demanded Mr. Armitage.
“You can’t fool me,” declared the constable wildly. “They jest telephoned me to stop ye. Ye robbed Colonel Sudds of jewelry and money this very night. But I know ye done more than that. You are the fellers that robbed the Farmers’ Bank on Saturday, and I’m goin’ t’ march ye t’ jail for it!”
CHAPTER XI
ON A HOT TRAIL